By John Tustin
I saw the angels.
I saw them while I was asleep
Or maybe I was half asleep and half awake.
There was this song by Ray Wylie Hubbard in my head
Or maybe Rodney Crowell or Townes Van Zandt
And I was dressed all in red
As the angels crowded around me.
They rended my clothes and exposed my heart.
I saw they had no smiles.
I saw they had no frowns.
I saw that they were at work.
They lifted me upright
And then they told me that The Good Samaritan was to be admired
And I was to do likewise
And then they told me to love all people as I loved God
And that I must love God because I am His reflection
And lastly
I was told that if they loved me
They would come to me
And if they did not come to me
Then I should love them anyway
But let them be.
Here I am, awake now,
Trying to love myself
And everyone who has wronged me
Or forgotten my name
While I wait for you,
Whom I cannot help but love
No matter your response,
Ignorance,
Acquiescence or
Reciprocation.
I see the angels.
They come and speak to me while I am asleep
And they tell me to love without condition
And to do good
And that is easy to do
While I am sleeping.
Sometimes.